Sewing machine



NOV. 4, 1947. c, c, 's I 2,430,370

' SEWING MAGgIINE' Filed June 24, 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS 5/1/05 6. 5/11/77? ATTORNEY I c. 0. SMITH Nov; 4, 1.947.

SEWING MACHINE Filed June 24 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEVTORS @/iFf/VCI 63 541/7 0. 0. SMITH SEWING MACHINE Nov. 4, 1947.

Filed June 24, 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Nov; 4, 1947, c. c. SMITH SEWING MACHINE Filed June 24, 1944' 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Nov. 4, 1947. c. c. SM lTH SEWING MACHINE Filed June 24, 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 ATTOHAEY Patented Nov. 4, 1947 SEWING MACHINE Clarence C. Smith, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Union Special Machine Company, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application June 24, 1944, Serial No. 541,902

7 Claims. 1

This invention relates tov sewing machines and, more particularly, to new and improved devices or apparatus associated or combined therewith for insuring proper and adequate lubrication of all moving parts of the sewing machine mechanism.

This invention is especially directed to certain new and improved instrumentalities or devices for insuring thorough lubrication of all parts of the machine requiring lubrication without, however, involving unnecessary pumping of the lubricating oil, or subjecting it to excessive working. It has previously been suggested to provide either full or semi-automatic lubrication of the parts of a sewing machine by means of a pump arranged to be driven by some operating part of the machine and adapted, throughout entire operation of the sewing machine mechanism, to draw oil from a low point and discharge it at the points within the machine which are to be lubricated. However, arrangements of this sort, wherein lubricating oil is continuously supplied to the parts to be lubricated While the machine is in operation, have subjected the oil to exlcessive working, since the oil is moved from one point to the other more rapidly than is required for adequate lubrication. In arrangements of this sort a large amount of the oil lifted from the lower reservoir to an upper level, whence it is supplied to the moving parts to be lubricated, must be returned to the lower reservoir -'by some means, usually by overflow, or it must be .discharged over the parts of the machine to be lubricated at a more rapid rate than necessary. Under these conditions the oil deteriorates more rapidly than in lubricating systems wherein unnecessary and excessive working of the oil is avoided.

One of the objects of this invention is the provision in association with a sewing machine, of new and improved lubricating apparatus, devices, or instrumentalities, which provide adequate lubrication of the moving parts, the oil being pumped, however, only periodically, and not continuously during operation of the sewing machine. It has been found that this object may be most effectively achieved by providing pumping action for the purpose of elevating the oil [from certain sumps or low points within the machine to a plurality of points from which it may be distributed to the moving parts to be lubricated only coincident with initiation of the operation of the sewing machine. Preferably this pumping action, elevating the oil from low points to distributing reservoirs at a higher level,

is carried out incidental to each stitching operation. In the ordinary use of a sewing machine the mechanism is started and stopped with sufficient frequency to insure adequate delivery of the lubricant to points within the apparatus for distribution to the moving parts so that thorough lubrication of all these partsis secured, even though the pump functions only momentarily, upon each operation of the machine.

It is another object of this invention to provide two separate oil circulating systems, including separate lubricant sumps and reservoirs, these separate systems being adapted to lubricate different sections of the sewing machine but being both made effective by operation of the same pumping means. By thus providing two separate lubrication systems the operation of each system is insured even though, through clogging or breakage, the operation of the other system may be interfered with. Moreover, the oil conduits are much shortened in length, thereby allowing more rapid and eflicient oil circulation, at the same time avoiding excessive working. Two separate systems also allow the use of lubricants of different grade in the separate systems, which may sometimes be desirable.

It is still another object of this invention to arrange the lubricating systems in such a manner as to permit ready accessibility to thread take-up devices enclosed within the frame of the machine.

A further object of this invention is to provide means whereby, if desired, the lubricant reservoirs may be by-passed and lubricant supplied directly to a point requiring abundant and complete lubrication, such as the bearings of the needle lever.

The foregoing objects, features, and advantages of this invention, as well as others which will be hereinafter set forth, are evident from the ensuing disclosure of certain illustrative embodiments thereof. The preferred arrangements of these illustrative embodiments may be readily understood from the detailed description which will now be given in connection with the annexed drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a rear elevation of the sewing machine, certain parts being broken away for clearness of illustration;

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of a sewing machine to which the invention has been applied, portions thereof being broken away for clearness of illustration;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the sewing machine, certain cover plates and other parts being removed or broken away and some parts being shown in section, in order to illustrate the construction more clearly;

Fig. 4 is a view in plan of the oil inlet apertures in the top of the frame whereby oil is supplied to one of the separate, independent oil reservoirs in the frame, these inlet apertures being normally covered with a transparent dome-like member provided for observing the oil as it is pumped;

Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional View taken through one of the transparent domes provided for observance of the oil, this dome being positioned to cover the oil openings shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view,,,partly in elevation and partly in vertical section, showing the needle head portion of the machine and the arrangement of certain parts associated therewith.

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view through the improved double-acting four valve pump forming part of the lubrication system;

' Fig. Bis a plan view of an alternative form of transparent dome structure provided for. observing the oil which is fed into the independent res-' ervoirs provided in the upper portionof the frame through the openings shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 9 is an elevational view of the transparent dome shown in Fig. 8, this view, showing the securement means by which the transparent dome is secured to the top .of the sewing machine frame, the latter being shown in section.

Fig, 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional. View through the alternative form of dome shown in Figs. 8 and 9, this view being taken on the line I0l0-ofFig.9;. v

Fig. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the alternative form of transparent dome, this view being taken on the line l,l-,I l of Fig. 10;

. Fig. 12 is a partial top plan view of the sewing machine, certain cover plates and other parts being removed or being broken away, and someparts being shown in section, in order to illustrate the invention more clearly. This view shows a modifled construction-in which.lubricant is supplied directly from the pump tothe bearings-for the needle lever, these bearings not being supplied from -a reservoir as in -the construction shown inFig.3;

Fig. 13 is a detail View, in vertical section, showing a portion of the end of the work supporting arm; and

Fig. 14 is a perspective View of a complete assembly embodying the invention, including a supporting table with. a sewingmachine thereon, a driving motor and clutch unit beneath the tabletop, and suitable control devices.

For purposes of illustration the invention has been shown as applied to a feed-off-the-arm machine of the type disclosed in Christensen nd Le Vesconte Patent 1,741,095. Reference may be had to that patent for a fuller disclosure of certain features of construction and operation not essentialto an understanding of this invention which are set forth in detail therein. Certain other feaportion I21: and work supporting arm I2b. Power is supplied to the machine through a combined hand wheel and pulley l3, secured to a main drive shaft I4 extending longitudinally of the upper portion of the frame (Figs. 2, 3, and 12). The power delivered may be supplied by an electric transmitter including motor l5 and associated clutch IB which may be of any known construction such as that shown, for example, in the copending application of Le Vesconte and Schweda, Ser. No. 449,196, filed June 30, 1942, now matured into Patent No. 2,390,220. The driven member of the clutchis connected with pulley [3 by means of belt [7. When the machine is in use the motor 15 will be in constant operation, but the sewing machine will be driven only upon engagement of the clutch, which is eifected under control of arm I 8 adapted to be drawn downwardly by link l9 connected with rock arm 20 carried by rock shaft 21. Foot treadle 24 is connected with another arm 22, secured to rock shaft 2|, by means of link or rod 23. When the foot treadle is rocked by the operator the sewing machine may be operated whenever desired. The rocking of the foot treadle not only serves to bring about operation of the sewing machine but, as will be subsequently explained, also controls the pumping of oil from the main oil sumps to reservoirs at an upper level for distribution to the moving parts. In fact the connections are such that the pump may be operated to some extent by a limited movement of the treadle which is not sufficient to cause engagement of the transmitter clutch. Thus, oil may be pumped from the lower sumps to the higher reservoirs without operating the sewing machine even while the motor is running.

The shaft M is advantageously formed in several sections, these sections being journalled in appropriate bearing sleeves 25, 26, 2'! and 28, all carried by the frame. The two main sections of the shaft are connected by a coupling Mia. Collars 29 and 38 secured to the main sections of the shaft at opposite sides of the coupling, serve tures of operation-and construction, not given in 1 to take up the thrust in both directions cooperating, for this function, with suitable surfaces on the frame. An excess lubricant collecting chamber 3| is provided at the top of the frame around coupling Ma and collars 29 and 30.

Between bearings 25 and 28 (Fig. 3) within chamber 32 formed in the top of the frame, the shaft i4 is provided with a crank portion 3 (Fig. 6) extending between counterweights 3a (Fig. 3) formed integral with, or secured in some other manner, to adjacent portions of the shaft. Pitman 34 cooperating with the crank 33 is pivotally connected at its opposite end by pin (Fig. 6) with the downwardly extending arm of bell crank lever 36 rockably mounted upon the frame by means of shaft 37. This shaft is journalled in bushings 38 and 39 (Fig. 3) carried by the needle head portion of the frame.

The outer end of the forwardly extending arm of hell crank 36 is connected by link 49 through pivot 41 with block 42 secured to needle bar This needle bar is mounted for vertical reciprocation in the needle head in the manner well known in the sewing machine art. Also mounted for vertical reciprocation in the needle head is presser bar 45 carrying at its lower end presser foot 6 (Fig. 2) which may be of any suitable form. The presser bar 45 is urged downwardly by means of a sprin: arrangement 41 of any suitableform. For the purpose of lifting the presser foot against the action of th spring there is provided block 8 (Fig. 6) secured to the presser bar, which block is adapted to be engaged by finger 59 secured to rock shaft 50. An arm is also secured to the rock shaft and is connected by link 52 with an upward extension of lever 53 secured to rock shaft 54, which rock shaft is mounted on a portion of the frame. The other end of the lever 53 is connected by a chain 55 with a foot treadle or any other convenient control member (not shown), operable at will by the machine operator.

Adjacent the presser bar and presser foot there is provided thread controller mechanism including C-shaped link 55! attached to the lower end of a vertical sliding rod 552 mounted in suitable bearings 553 carried by the end cover plate 554 of the needle head. The lower end of link 55| is connected with the forward section of the presser foot 46 which is tandem construction. At its upper end the rod 552 carries forked member 555, the forked free end. of which is adapted to straddle and slide along the presser bar 45, thus preventing rotation of the rod 552; Intermediate the ends of the rod 552 there is secured block 556 having a laterally projecting portion which is in operative connection with certain thread guiding and controlling means (not shown). This mechanism, including C-shaped link 551, operates as a thread controller for varying the amount ofneedle thread available for the stitch-forming operation. The detailed operation of this mechanism, as well as that of the pressure foot, need not be described in further detail for a ful1 understanding of the present invention relative to sewing machine lubrication. For description in detail of the thread controller and its mode of operation, see the copendi'ng ap plication of Christensen Ser. No. 515,336,v filed December 8, 1943.

Adjacent the inner end of shaft [4 there is secured an eccentric 56 which cooperates with. the strap portion of pitman 55a (Fig. 2). At its lower end (not shown), this pitman is connected in a suitable manner with a feed bar 51 and feed do 58 (Fig. 13), this mechanism serving to impart a rising and falling movement to the feed dog, which is preferably of the four-motion type. The operation of such a feed dog, and the mechanism for impartin rising and falling movements thereto, are described in the Kucera Patent 2,199,666, issued May 7, 1940.

Shaft M carries a second eccentric 59 which cooperates with strap portion of pitman or link 55a which, through suitable connections of the type disclosed in said Kucera patent, serves to impart the feed stroke and return movements to the feed dog. This mechanism also serves to impart the desired needle avoid movements to the loopers, hereinafter mentioned. The endof shaft I4 carries crank pin 65 cooperating with a pitm'an or linkage 5|, the lower end of which is connected with an arm 62 secured to the rock shaft 63. This shaft carries one or more loopers 54 which co operate in stitch formation with needles M1 The improved lubricating system, towh-ich this invention is particularly directed, includes double-acting four valve reciprocating pump 55, suitably mounted, as by means of screws, upon a pertion of the frame [2 of the machine. 55 has a plurality of inlets, one of which is connected by a pipe or tube 66 with the main sump The pump (iii 6 lower ends or the tubes 66 and 68 are preferably provided with suitable strainers or filters 10 and H, respectively, to insure the circulation of only clean oil.

One outlet of the pum is connected by tube 12| with dome 122, preferably formed of plastic or other transparent material, and by outlet 123 with a second transparent dome "I24. Each of these domes may be constructed as shown in Fig. 5, or in the alternative form shown in Figs. 8 to 11, inclusive, as more fully described below. Because of these transparent domes the operator of the machine may observe the character of the oil being pumped at any time, and may determine whether or not the system is functioning properly.- above reservoir T25 suitably mounted upon the frame beneath a cover plate 150 (Fig. 2), which is also secured by screws or otherwise to the ma chine frame. Similarly. dome 124 is positioned above reservoir I25 mounted on the frame beneath a cover plate 16 I.

With particular reference to Fig. '7, the double acting pump illustrated in this figure comprises a cylinder or chamber 18 in which a piston 19 formed of opposed cup-shaped members is mounted for reciprocation. This piston is carried at the inner end of a rod having its outer end connected by link 8| with the elbow of L -sh'aped lever 82 (Fig. 1). This lever is pivotally cohnected at 83 with the frame of the machine. The arm 8 4- of lever 82 projects beyond the pulley t3 and has its outer end connected by a chain 85 or other suitable means with the foot treadle 24. This arrangement is such that when the treadle is depressed to cause engagement of the driving clutch,- the rod 80 and the piston 19 will be shifted toward the left (Figs. 1 and '7) against the action of spring 85. The latter is compressed between an enlarged head 86'! on the end of the rod 89 and a combined bushing and stuffing box 81 which is threaded into and closes one end of the cylinder T8 and provides a substantially oil-tight sliding fit with the rod 80.

As the piston 19 is shifted toward the left (Fig. 7), oil will be drawn through tube 68 from siimp' 69' in the needle head, through ball valve s3, and delivered through duct 89 into the righthand end of the cylinder 18. Simultaneously, oil which has previously been drawn into the cylinder '18 at the left side of the piston 19, will be forced by the latter through duct 90, through ball valve 9 l and through passage 92 into the discharge tube or conduct 12L When the treadle 24 is rocked in the opposite direction, or is permitted to move in this direction by the action of the spring @6,tl'ie piston 19 isshifted toward the right (Fig. 7). Oilwill then be drawn through tube 55 from sump 61- (Fig. 1) through ball valve 93, and delivered through duct 95 into the left hand and of the cylinder l8. Simultaneously oil which has previously been drawn into the cylinder at the right side of the piston 19 will be forced by the latter through duct 89' past ball valve 94 and through passage 9M into the discharge tube or c'ondu-it 123 It is thus evident that oil is drawn alternately from the two sumps 61 and 69 upon the movement of the piston 19 in opposite directions. The pump will operate through only a single cycle upon each startingand stopping of the machine, i. e., llpbn each stitching operation. It is not operated continuously during the stitching operation, and thereforedoes not produce excessive working of the oil. Sufficient oil is pumped, however, to in- Dome 122 is positioned directly sure adequate lubrication of all parts requiring lubrication. Moreover if one of the sumps should become dry, or nearly so, the pumping of oil from the other sump will not be interfered with. At the same time if the level of oil in one of the sumps drops to such a point that the withdrawal of oil therefrom ceases, or is seriously decreased, this fact may be quickly noted by the operator because little or no oil will be discharged into dome 122 or 124 at either the commencement or conclusion of the stitching operation, depending upon which of the two sumps happens to be empty or nearly empty.

The pump cylinder 18 is closed at one end by removable screw block 95, which facilitates cleaning and inspection of the working parts. The ball valves 9| and 94, associated with outlet or discharge conduits 12I and 123, are spring-pressed by springs 91 and 91!. Ball valve 88 is carried by a fitting having a tapered nipple 98 in screw threaded engagement with a recess in the pump block. The inner end of the nipple is partially closed by hollow block 99 against which bears one end of spring I99 acting at its opposite end to urge the valve 88 against its seat.

In a similar manner valve 93 is mounted within the nipple extension of a fitting IDI which is partially closed by a hollow block I92 against which a spring I93 bears in urging the valve 93 against its seat.

Outlet ball valves 9| and 94, spring-urged against their seats by springs 91 and 91I, are similarly mounted within tapered nipples 913 and 914 which are partially closed at their respective inner ends by hollow blocks 99I and 992. The springs 91 and 9H are so arranged as to force the balls 9| and 94 against the ends of hollow blocks 99I and 992, which ends provide the valve seats.

Each of the tubes 66, 68, 12I and 123 is preferably provided near its end with an enlargement in the form of a double frusto-conical compression sleeve I94 adapted to be clamped between an appropriate seat on a coupling member I95 and a corresponding seat formed on one of the inlets or the outlets of the pump.

The oil which is withdrawn from sumps 61 and 69 and pumped to discharge into the reservoirs 125 and 126, in the manner set forth, is delivered through tubes filled with wicking to certain portions of the sewing machine to be lubricated. Referring first to reservoir 126 (Figs. 2 and 3), it will be evident that part of the oil travels downwardly through oil hole 81 in a downwardly extending member 802 integral with the reservoir to bushing 25, this oil serving to lubricate the main shaft I4 journaled in that bushing. As shown, there is provided packing or wicking II5 which serves to retain part of the oil, delivering it as needed to the bushing 25.

The reservoir 126 is further provided with a laterally extending wick-filled oil pipe 805 which extends above the main shaft I4 and delivers oil to the bearing provided by bushing 26. There is provided packing or wicking 891, similar to packing or wicking II5, to retain the oil and feed it gradually, as needed, to the shaft I4 journalled in bushing 26.

A second wick-filled oil pipe 899 extends downwardly from the reservoir 126 adjacent the forward side of a wall member BIO of the frame and delivers oil to a recessed extension of the bushing 25. From the latter the oil is delivered to a small pocket formed by an inclined flange portion 8 of one of the counterweights 33a. Due

to the inclination of the inner surface of the flange portion 8| I', the oil is forced centrifugally into a duct I I8 (Fig. 6) in the crank 33 from which it is distributed to lubricate the bearing surface of pitman 34. Pitman 34 is further provided with longitudinally extending oil duct II9 which supplies oil to the pivot bearing 35, between the pitman and needle lever 36.

The reservoir 126 is provided with a third oil pipe 82I which delivers oil to the bearings for the needle lever at 822 (Fig. 3), from which a laterally extending oil groove 823 distributes oil to the bearing bushings 38 and 39. A fourth oil tube 83I (Fig. 3) leading from the reservoir 126 terminates adjacent the path of link 40 which connects the end of the needle lever 36 to the needle bar 43 and keeps the pivot pins for this link well lubricated. A fifth oil tube 90I extends from the reservoir 126 above the crank 33 and delivers oil to the bearing bushing 28. The reservoir 126 is also provided with an overflow notch 9I9 (Fig. 3). All of the oil issuing from the various outlets of the reservoir 126, except a portion of the oil from the bearing journalled in bushing 26, will be collected in the needle head sump 69, and will be recirculated to the parts in the region of the needle head by pump 65 through conduit 123, while the oil collected in the work arm sump 61 will be recirculated to lubricate the parts in the region of the work arm through conduit 12I.

Referring now to reservoir 125 (Fig. 2), the oil from dome 122 will pass through ports 2H] and 2 into this reservoir which is supported from cross member 2I3 of the frame which serves also as a support for bushing 21. The reservoir 125 is provided with a downwardly extending portion 220 which fits into an opening 22I in the cross member. Oil in the reservoir 125 will pass down through aperture 222 in the portion 229 to bushing 21 and lubricate the shaft I4 in that bearing. As shown, hole 22I may be provided with packing or wicking in order to retain the oil, delivering it as needed to the portion of main shaft I4 journalled in bushing 21.

The reservoir 125 is further provided with downwardly extending oil pipes 30 I, 302, and III],

7 which are wick-filled, and which are located adiacent the upper ends of the pitmans 56a, 59a and BI, respectively, thus supplying oil for lubricating the bearing surfaces of the eccentric members 56 and 59 and crank pin 69. The reservoir is further provided with a notch 393 at its upper edge which serves as an overflow. Waste lubricant from the reservoir 125 thus finds its way to the well or sump 61 in the bottom of the work arm.

The transparent dome members 122 and 124 may be constructed simply in the form of hollow cup-shaped members, as shown in Figs. 2 and 5, or they may be constructed in the form of solid transparent blocks of glass or plastic material provided with internal conduits, as shown in the modification of Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11.

Referring to the modification shown in Fig. 5, the transparent dome structure includes hollow cup-shaped member SUI secured by a bolt or other securement means 992 to the cover member 169 at the top of the sewing machine frame, the dome being positioned directly over lubricant admission apertures 2I6 (Fig. 4). The cupshaped member 99I' is supported on ring 993, which may be of metal or some flexible material, such as rubber, capable of forming a seal. Conduits 12I and 123 from the pump supply lubricant to the interiors of the transparent dome mem- 9 bers, from which it flows through oil apertures 2H] into reservoirs 125 and 126. Means are provided, as by directing the entering ends of conduits "(2| or 23 laterally or even downwardly, to avoid splashing the oil against the interior surfaces of the cup-shaped member 9M so that the operators view of the oil stream being supplied to reservoirs I25 and 126 is not interfered with.

In the modification shown in Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11, the solid transparent dome member 9H1, of plastic, glass, or other transparent material, is provided with drilled, laterally extending conduit 9 in communication with another drilled conduit M2 at right angles thereto. Conduit 9H is in communication with lubricant pipe line l2! or 123 from the discharge side of the pump, while communicating conduit 9 l 2 leads to apertures Z l 9, communicating directly with reservoir 125 or 126. As in the modification shown in Fig. 5, the solid transparent dome member 9 I il, illustrated in Figs. 8 to 11, is positioned on the cover member 160 or 16! over the apertures 210 (Fig. 4), and rests on supporting and sealing ring 903.

It will be apparent that by the arrangement shown all the parts of a sewing machine requiring lubrication may be efiectively lubricated with minimum working and circulation of the oil. Thus, the oil utilized for the lubrication of parts in and adjacent the needle head will be circulated through a relatively short path between the sump 69 in the needle head and the reservoir 126. Similarly, the oil serving to lubricate those parts of the machine in the depending arm I2a will be circulated merely between the sump B! at the bottom of this arm and the reservoir 125. Two independent reservoirs, separate and distinct from each other, are thus provided, lubricant from these reservoirs being circulated by the wickfilled oil pipes, or otherwise, to the specific parts adjacent those reservoirs which require lubrication. Each reservoir is provided with separate conduits leading to the double-acting, four-valve pump 65 from which the lubricant is pumped, and with its separate transparent dome, whereby the supply of oil and the condition of the oil circulated may be observed by the operator.

In the modification of the invention shown in Fig. 12, lubrication is supplied directly from the pump 65 by conduit 123 to the bearings 38 and 39 for the needle lever. Conduit 123 is provided at its upper surface with a discharge hole I43 at a point over the reservoir 126 and when the pump operates to discharge oil through this pipe some of the oil will be projected out of this hole and against the under surface of transparent dome 124, from which it will drop into the reservoir 126. As will be seen, the dome 124 is positioned somewhat further to the left in this construction than in Fig. 3. From reservoir 126 the oil is distributed, as in the modification shown in Fig. 3 and described above, to the various parts of the machine to be lubricated. In this way the lubricant necessary to lubricate an important bearing in the machine, which needs an abundant supply of the lubricating oil, may be channelled directly to that part, by a conduit in direct communication with the pump, while other bearing surfaces may be supplied less directly from the reservoir.

While an illustrative form of the invention has been disclosed in considerable detail, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of the various parts without departing from the general principles and scope of the invention.

For example, while the lubricating system, the double-acting four-valve pump, and the other associated parts, are especialy suited for use in connection with a feed-off-the-arm machine of the type illustrated, certain features are applicable to other types of machines, and to machines mounted from other types of supporting structures.

I claim:

1. In combination, a sewing machine and means associated therewith for driving the same, means operable at will for controlling the engagement and disengagement of the clutch to effect successive operations. of the machine, a plurality of separate lubricant reservoirs in said machine, means connected with each of said separate reservoirs for delivering lubricant to the moving parts adjacent each reservoir in order that said moving parts may be lubricated, a plurality of separate lubricant collecting sumps in said machine each related to one of said reservoirs, and common lubricant pumping means op.- erated by said means for controlling clutch engagement and disengagement, said pumping means being arranged to alternately withdraw lubricant from said sumps and to. deliver said lubricant to the related reservoirs without intermixture of the lubricant in one reservoir and related sump. with thatv in another reservoir and related sump. l

2. In combination, a. sewing machine, means connected with said machine for driving the same, means. operable at will for controlling the engagement and disengagement of the. clutch to effect successive. operations of the machine, a plurality ofseparate lubricant reservoirs in said machine, meansconnected with each ofsaid separate reservoirs. for delivering lubricant tor the moving parts: adjacent said reservoir which are to be lubricated, a plurality of separate lubricant collect.- ing sumps in said machine each arranged to collect the lubricant delivered from oneoi said reservoirs, and common lubricant pumping means operable withv said clutch engaging; and disengaging means for withdrawing lubricant from one of said sumps upon engagement of the clutch and delivering said lubricant to the related one of said reservoirs, and for withdrawing lubricant from another of said sumps upon disengagement of the clutch and delivering said lubricant to its related reservoir.

3. In combination with a sewing machine, means connected with said machine for driving the same, means operable at will for controlling the engagement or disengagement oi the clutch to effect successive operations of the machine, a plurality of separate lubricant reservoirs in said machine, means connected with each of said separate reservoirs for delivering lubricant to the moving parts adjacent each reservoir to be lubricated, a plurality of separate lubricant collecting sumps in said machine each related to and arranged to collect the lubricant delivered from one of said reservoirs, and means including a reciprocating piston pump for withdrawing lubricant from one sump and delivering the same to the related reservoir upon movement of the piston of said pump in one direction, and for Withdrawing lubricant from another sump and delivering the same to its related reservoir upon movement of the piston in the opposite direction.

4. In combination, a sewing machine, driving means including a clutch connected with said machine for driving the same, means operable at will for controlling the engagement and dis- 11 engagement of the clutch to effect successive operations of the machine, a plurality of separate reservoirs for lubricant within said machine arranged to deliver oil to parts to be lubricated, and lubricant circulating and distributing means comprising a plurality of separate oil collecting sumps in said machine each related to and arranged to receive lubricant from one of said reservoirs, a reciprocating piston pump aranged to Withdraw oil from only one of said sumps upon movement of the piston in one direction, and from only another of said sumps upon movement of the piston in the opposite direction, and means for delivering the oil so withdrawn from each sump to its related lubricant reservoir within said machine.

5. In combination, a sewing machine'having stitch-forming instrumentalities adapted to form a seam, means operable at will as an incident to each seam-forming operation, and lubricant circulating and distributing means comprsing a plurality of separate oil reservoirs arranged to deliver oil to parts to be lubricated, a plurality of separate oil collecting sumps in said machine each related to and arranged to receive lubricant from one of said reservoirs, pump means arranged to withdraw oil from one of said sumps upon operation of said first named means and to withdraw oil from another of said sumps upon release of said means, means for supplying the oil so withdrawn from each of said sumps to its related oil reservoir, and means for delivering said oil from said reservoir to the parts of the machine to be lubricated.

6. In combination, a sewing machine having stitch-forming instrumentalities adapted to form a seam, means operable at will as an incident to each seam-forming operation, and lubricant circulating and distributing means comprising a plurality of separate oil reservoirs in said machine arranged to deliver oil to parts to be lubricated, a plurality of separate oil collecting sumps each related to and arranged to receive lubricant from one of said reservoirs, a reciprocating pis- Number ton pump, connections from said first mentioned means for reciprocating the piston of said pump, said pump being arranged to withdraw oil from one of said sumps upon movement of said piston in one direction, and to withdraw oil from another of said sumps upon movement of the piston in the opposite direction, means for supplying said oil so withdrawn from each of said sumps to its related oil reservoir, and means for delivering the oil from said plurality of reservoirs to the moving parts to be lubricated.

'7. In combination, a sewing machine having a frame with a needle head portion and a hollow downwardly-extendin portion from which a work supporting arm extends to a point beneath the needle head portion, said needle head portion and said arm having stitch forming instrumentalities adapted to form a seam, means operable at will as an incident to each seam-forming operation, and lubricant circulating and distributing means comprising a plurality of oil collecting sumps in said needle head portion and work supporting arm, respectively, a plurality of separate oil reservoirs within said machine each related to one of said sumps, pump means controlled by said first named means and arranged to withdraw oil alternately from said sumps, means for delivering said oil so withdrawn from each sump to the related one of said separate reservoirs, and means for supplying the oil from said separate reservoirs to the moving parts to be lubricated.

CLARENCE C. SMITH.

REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Sauer July 6, 1943 Bowman Oct. 10, 1933 Mitchell Aug. 26, 1930 Hohmann July 29, 1919 

